Marsfield. Centre for innovation

The Australian Centre for Broadband Innovation (ACBI), in Marsfield, is a joint initiative between the NSW Government and research organisations CSIRO and NICTA (National ICT Australia). The NSW Government has contributed $7.5 million to establish the centre over three years (to 2013) with matching in-kind support from the CSIRO and NICTA. The centre will work with industry to create and deliver breakthrough broadband applications in four key areas: Digital media and interactive broadcasting, tele health and e-health technologies, infrastructure such as smart grid including in the area of transport, and. e-government. “The centre will generate technology that can be commercialised and sold, creating growth and jobs for our ICT sector and the broader economy,” said NSW Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development Eric Roozendaal.

Parramatta. Courtyard renamed

It’s so new that Melbourne-based Choice Hotels Australasia has yet to update its website to announce that it has taken over the management of the 181-room Courtyard by Marriott, in Anderson Street in the Parramatta CBD, and renamed the property Clarion Hotel on the Park. Choice’s network's of 275 properties includes brands such as Econo Lodge, Comfort, and Quality. The six-storey Courtyard by Marriot, has been sold to an offshore group for a little more than $24 million The six-storey Courtyard by Marriot was sold to an offshore group for a little more than $24 million, in August this year. The Crowne Plaza Parramatta was renamed Parkroyal Parramatta last month.

Parramatta. Council 'confident' on partnership

Parramatta City Council remains optimistic that the Old King’s School site will be a key feature in its revamped arts, entertainment and cultural precinct. “Council plans to meet with the Catholic Church shortly to discuss future options for the Old King’s School site and we’re confident that we can work in partnership with them and all relevant stakeholders to develop plans which best serve the needs of the community,” said Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid. Council had been calling for the site to be a leading creative arts hub for the past two years to form part of a revitalised river foreshore precinct with a mix of entertainment, retail, commercial and cultural spaces. The Catholic Church has proposed plans for the site, which is adjacent to St Patrick’s Cathedral.